The Minnesota Vikings may not want to wait until the eighth overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft to have their quarterback. In fact, it’s starting to sound like it’s at least possible they won’t draft one in the first round at all.

Goessling suggested Minnesota could trade for Mallett if the Pats were interested in unloading him. Doing so could potentially land them a talented passer without spending a first rounder on the position for the second time in four years.

“This could be a legitimate possibility for the Vikings, especially since they have an extra third-round pick”, Goessling said. “f the Patriots were open to moving him, it’s possible the Vikings could take a look.”

It’s plausible, especially since Mallett is wasting away behind Tom Brady and the Patriots probably are running out of time to cash in on Mallett’s value. In addition, at eighth overall, the Vikings aren’t guaranteed a top-level quarterback in this year’s draft. They could take a shot on someone like Derek Carr, but are not likely to have Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles or even Johnny Manziel slide to them.

I’m in agreement with Goessling’s other line of thinking, which could be passing on a quarterback in the first round, and trying to nab a guy like Zach Mettenberger or A.J. McCarron in round two. That could allow the Vikings to beef up their defense with C.J. Mosley at inside linebacker, or a pass-rushing specialist like Anthony Barr or Khalil Mack.

Goessling also offers up Michael Vick and Mark Sanchez (once released) as free agent options, while it’s also not impossible the Vikings bring back Matt Cassel at the right price.

Regardless of what the move actually ends up being, it’s fairly clear that Christian Ponder isn’t the answer and that the Vikings will be looking to improve under center one way or another in 2014.